Carlos Alcaraz names the first ATP player he ever saw compete at the French Open when he was just 11 years old

Carlos Alcaraz has been watching players compete at the French Open from an early age.

Alcaraz won the French Open for the first time last year, after beating Alexander Zverev in a five set final.

The Spaniard is coming into his title defence in strong form, with Alcaraz winning the Monte Carlo Masters and the Italian Open during the clay court season.

Now having arrived in Paris, all eyes will be on Alcaraz as he looks to match Rafael Nadal and defend his French Open crown.

Carlos Alcaraz says Richard Gasquet was the first player he ever saw compete at the French Open

When speaking to rolandgarros.com in an exclusive interview ahead of the 2025 tournament, Alcaraz re-lived some of his childhood memories of the clay court tournament.

While he mentioned watching the now retired Rafael Nadal’s success at the French Open, Alcaraz revealed that Richard Gasquet was actually the first person he ever saw play live at Stade Roland Garros.

“Roland-Garros has a very special place for me,” said Alcaraz. “Of course, I have seen many Spanish players perform there, including Rafa Nadal. As a child, I remember hurrying home from school to turn on the television and I only wanted one thing: to spend the afternoon watching games.

“When I was 11 years old, I played a tournament at Roland-Garros for the first time. Then, we could go watch games and if I’m not mistaken, the first player I saw was Richard Gasquet. I remember saying to myself: “One day, I’ll be there. One day, I will play here at Roland-Garros.

“A few years later, in qualifying, I lost in the first round (defeat against Aleksandar Vukic in 2020). I came back, I played the qualifications once more and I had the chance to join the main table. After that, I accumulated experience, lived unforgettable moments on the court, and last year, the final victory. It was incredible, a dream come true. I always wanted to win Roland-Garros.”

Coincidentally, Gasquet will actually be retiring at the French Open this year, bringing an end to his 23-year career.

Who is Carlos Alcaraz playing at the French Open?

The draw for the 2025 French Open has now taken place, with Alcaraz drawing against former US Open finalist Kei Nishikori in the first round.

This will be a first time meeting between the pair, as Alcaraz looks to get his French Open title defence off to a winning start.

If he is to overcome Nishikori, Alcaraz could set up a match with Fabian Marozsan, the Hungarian who has previously beaten him on clay.

Alcaraz beat Jannik Sinner in the final of the Italian Open, and could play the world number one again if he is to reach another French Open final.

The main draw of the 2025 French Open will get underway on Sunday, May 25.